10 Things Fascists Would Hate For You To Do Right Now!
Created by Heidi Fischer of @Mentalhealthyxe
I wrote this while trying to make sense of a lot at once. It isn’t about being perfect or knowing exactly what to do. It’s about choosing connection and care during a time that rewards the opposite. These are small and seemingly ordinary actions, which is exactly why they matter. Take what’s best and leave the rest.
Volunteer.
Time, money, skills or care towards on-the-ground resources and mutual aid requests. Seek out groups local to your area or globally in need of contributions or aid.
Go to the Library.
Yes, Really. Take out a book or movie about something new to you. Or participate in a program! If you don’t have a library card, get one. Bring a friend. Knowledge is power and free is great!
Help a Stranger.
Shovel a sidewalk, push out a stuck car, sit beside someone, offer a kind word, share a coffee (Mow the lawn, whatever is appropriate in your climate.) Connecting with the humanity in others is a beautiful thing.
Check Your Privilege (if you got it).
If you are new to the resistance that’s cool, but don’t forget that folks who are regularly marginalized in society have been doing this work a long damn time. Lift folks up, come alongside, be ready to listen and learn. Fascists really hate this.
Make Art or Support it.
Go to a local show, write a poem, share a song, send funds to a creator who makes you feel less alone. Memes totally count btw. Art is resistance. It provides hope, connection, a mirror and yes… some healthy gallows humour.
Build Community.
Its never too late to join a book club, start a repair cafe, invest in a community garden, or heck even get really into local groups playing Pokémon Go. Fascism hates when people know their neighbours.
Fact-Check Before You Share.
Pause & Verify. Ignore outrage bait and trolls/bots, be on the look out for AI. Don’t put up with bad faith arguments or “devil’s advocates”, it’s a waste of your time and energy.
Protect the Targeted.
White folks this ones for you (myself included). Walk with someone. Sit with a person being harassed. Speak up in small moments. Don’t look away.
Show Up Locally.
Go to city council meetings, school board meetings, your union meetings, town halls and so on. Instead of expecting any power or system to be the solution, focus on holding them accountable and making your voice heard. Yes, apply the same approach at the provincial and federal levels, but changes can often be started at the local level.
Support workers.
Respect workers not hoarded wealth. Back-up unions, fair wages, strikes, picket lines and boycotts. It can be challenging to avoid purchasing from large companies, especially when choices are limited due to location, finances, or other factors. Do not let the illusion of perfection stop you from trying at all. Start by picking one ethical product you will choose to pay more for, ask yourself if something can be repaired or borrowed, support local businesses and artists who do good. Treat service workers with kindness and respect.
What Did You Do Today That a Fascist Would Hate?
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but I hope it helps to show that there are daily actions you can take, and many you may already be doing, when things feel heavy or hopeless.
This post was first created as a graphic and shared on Instagram. Within four days it had 251,000 views and received more engagement than anything I’ve shared before. I’m not mentioning this to brag, but as a reminder that none of us are alone. People want to connect, they want to care for one another, and they want to believe that their actions matter. Sometimes a slightly sassy list reminds us that we still have options.
You can view the original Instagram post here. You’re also welcome to download the PDF and use it freely, just please don’t sell it or remove my handle.
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